I'd also recommend some sort of reference database to keep a track of your references for papers, reports and thesis you'll write. It saves loads of time!

This looks really good. I notice though, that it's more slanted towards medical/scientific researchers, though it could be used by anyone. Does anybody know of a product like this that's aimed at literature/humanities researchers?

As a nearly-qualified librarian myself, I have to say: thanks for the endorsement!

One of my favourite tools - I have it open all the time for my dissertation - is www.worldcat.org from OCLC. It's a giant library catalogue for the whole world with links to other bits and pieces like Google Books, Amazon, and crucially, referencing in many formats.

Hello everyone you are all providing great information. Is there another way to access previous dissertations completed in your area of study besides having to purchase copies from ProQuest?

Hi all,

Our Yale Med Library has been preparing and posting high quality educational video tutorial series on how to use the library resources, services and research tools. Each tutorial is about 2-3 min. I think each grad student should invest time and watch these video tutorials. Lei did a great job!

http://www.med.yale.edu/library/education/guides/

and Jan's lit review or research tips: http://janstips.blogspot.com/

Have a great day!
Beyhan

It has very much surprised me over the last few months of my research project, the perception of librarians and libraries. When I was personally undertaking my Masters I myself didn't really think of using a librarian for anything other than to help me locate a book I already new the title to. My research has shown that most other postgraduates currently hold similar views and also only see the library as a collection of books.

During this current research into the information needs of postgraduates in a digital age, I have had a fantastic support group made up of departmental/faculty, college and university librarians. In addition, the librarians I have surveyed and spoken with, are all qualified information professionals and who's very job makes them experts in searching for and managing information sources. Therefore as recommended by others, if you want advice on searching for or managing information why not see what you departmental or university librarians can offer. Many libraries now even have Research Skills or Information Officers who run training session and who also want to be contacted to answer questions and/or often offer drop-in sessions.

I came across this article in the THE http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=413927&c=2 and hoping that my library and librarians have seen it!

As my literature review is becoming more important and the focus of my daily activity at the moment, I'm spending more time in the library and needing to find more sources. Because of this I have been asking for help in the library far more than normal and I have had very mixed experiences with librarians also. Similarly to Stephen there are just some librarians who are just not very approachable and just don't offer much helpful advice. However, some are very good and come up with new ideas of searching and using the catalogues i.e. which keywords to try.

I think things are changing, especially with many more things being on the web and the library starting to offer online resources. Consequently some librarians have realised that their role and responsibilities are changing and are quickly adapting but unfortunately some I just think don't want to change and this resistance is causing their unapproachable and unhelpful manner (but this is just my opinion!). I think Stephen has a good point, training courses or researching the library website to see who is responsible for library training might be a good place to start. I'm not sure if we have a dedicated research skills librarian but I've started asking my faculty librarian and her advice is much more useful.

Also, having spent more time in the library recently because of writing my literature review, one thing I'm hoping is that one day libraries become more usable as places to work. Our faculty library which is much more useful than the main library has really restricted opening times in comparison to the main library. Yet I want to be surrounded by the subject specific books I need. Does anyone else have this problem? I'd also really like to be able just to have a drink of water or some small (non-messy) snack. Each time I have to pack up and leave the library. I'm a responsible adult and I'm not going to damage anything. I've heard from a friend that in her undergrad university in the states the library there was much more an environment conducive to working - they even served coffee in the reading areas!!

That would be great for me too. Some more areas in the library where you can actually discuss your work or what you've read. I only ever really go to a library if I need a book because I'm not a fan of always having to sit in silence and even when you do whisper you feel very guilty. I've thought about this for sometime and libraries should be houses of knowledge, discussion and collaboration. Yes its great to have silent areas for contemplation, reading and work but it would be great to have a few more collaborative work spaces. If my university had some more spaces like these I know my colleagues and I would use them more, rather than always ending up sitting in the department cafe.

And yes why do university libraries always seem to be so dark and stuffy? During my undergradute, there was one spot in our library with a big window and its lovely and light to study at however it was so popular you could never get a free desk there!